Patanase (Generic)

Olopatadine is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies that occur in the nose, such as runny/itchy/stuffy nose, sneezing, and post-nasal drip. This medication is an antihistamine. It works by blocking certain natural substances called histamines that are responsible for allergic symptoms.

Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all of the doctor's dosage directions. Do not give other cough and cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using olopatadine and each time you get a refill. Follow the instructions on how to properly use this medication. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Follow the instructions for properly priming the spray pump before using the bottle for the first time and if you have not used the medication for more than 7 days. Avoid spraying in your eyes or directly onto the nasal septum (the wall between the two nostrils).

Use this medication in your nose, usually twice a day in both nostrils or as directed by your doctor.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Keep track of the number of sprays you use, including test sprays used to prime the bottle. Discard the bottle after you have used the labeled number of sprays on the product package, even if the bottle is not completely empty. By doing this, you can be sure that you get the correct amount of drug in each spray.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

A bitter taste in the mouth, nosebleeds, or irritation/soreness in the nose may occur. Drowsiness may rarely occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

The bitter taste can be reduced by sniffing gently through your nose after each spray, rather than breathing in through your nose so deeply that the medication goes to the back of your throat and gets into your mouth.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: sores in your nose, hole in the nasal septum.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using olopatadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This drug may rarely make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store between 39-77 degrees F (4-25 degrees C). Protect from freezing. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose in adults may include drowsiness. In children, overdose symptoms may include restlessness/agitation, and may be followed by drowsiness.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.